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Gjögur

XMWM+F6 Gjögur, Iceland

Name and Location

The Gjögur Lighthouse is located in the picturesque town of Gjögur, Iceland.

Construction and History

The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the early 20th century. The lighthouse has a rich history, guiding sailors and fishermen for generations.

Architecture and Materials

The Gjögur Lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 40 meters (131 feet) with a focal plane of 64 meters (210 feet). Its architectural style is reminiscent of traditional Icelandic lighthouses, featuring a white and red striped tower with a rounded lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The Gjögur Lighthouse exhibits a fascinating light characteristic: Fl(3)W.15s. This means that the light shines for 30 seconds every hour, with three flashes followed by 15 seconds of darkness. The color of the light changes from red to white and back again, making it a unique beacon in the Icelandic waters.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but please note that the tower itself is not open to the public for safety reasons. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the Icelandic wilderness, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as puffins and arctic foxes.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Gjögur Lighthouse is situated on the north coast of Iceland, near the mouth of the Hunavatn lake. Its primary function is to guide vessels through the treacherous coastline and warn of potential dangers such as rocky outcroppings and strong currents.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are available for this lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

As of 2023, the Gjögur Lighthouse remains an automated aid, with no human operator on site. Regular maintenance and inspections are carried out by local authorities to ensure the light continues to function effectively.

Further Information

The Gjögur Lighthouse is listed as a notable maritime aid in various nautical charts and publications, including the US NGA Pub. 115 (2010-09-09).

Details

NameGjögur
City
CountryOther
Coordinates65.9961284, -21.3169609